Gwen-allied Cebu provincial board vows to support Pam

Local

THE next 19 members of the Cebu Provincial Board may be allied with outgoing Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s One Cebu party, but they are promising cooperation and support for Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro, who is taking over the province's top post starting June 30.

This assurance came from outgoing 6th District Board Member and incoming Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco during the final session of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday, June 23.

Soco, who will preside over the 17th Provincial Board, said that even with all 19 elected members coming from Garcia’s party, they are prepared to work with Baricuatro for the benefit of the province.

He said he is willing to consider her agenda, particularly regarding flagship programs like the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo tourism campaign.

“If that’s her direction, then we can support it,” Soco said. “We will make sure that all measures required in the SP are reviewed, discussed, and supported if they benefit the Cebuanos.”

While affirming openness to Baricuatro’s proposals, Soco emphasized that decisions will still be made collectively by the board.

“We will listen, but we will decide as one body,” he said.

Outgoing Vice Governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III, in his valedictory address, made a direct appeal to the incoming board to stand behind the new governor.

Speaking before both incoming and outgoing members, many of whom are aligned with One Cebu, Davide underscored the importance of unity in governance.

“To the honorable members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, I ask that you give your support and cooperation to the incoming governor. Leadership may change, but your duty and obligation to serve the people of Cebu remain constant,” Davide said.

He also reminded the next batch of legislators that public office requires collective effort: “Leadership is never about one person; it is about all of you rowing in the same direction, for the good of our province and the generations to come.”

Soco echoed Davide’s call and credited the outgoing vice governor for his “steady leadership” during his term, especially during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette.

He noted that the 16th SP was not only active in legislation but also extended direct services to the districts in times of need.

Additionally, Soco also outlined the accomplishments of the outgoing board, including the passage of the P25-billion annual budget for 2025, which is the highest in the province’s history.

He said this budget supports key economic recovery programs such as Sugbo Negosyo, Sugbo Kahanas, and Enhanced Countryside Development.

Infrastructure initiatives like multi-purpose buildings, covered courts, and road rehabilitation were also carried out during the board’s term.

According to Soco, existing ordinances that support these programs are already in place and should continue unless the new governor recommends changes.

He said the 17th board will ensure these policies are properly reviewed and adjusted when needed.

The final session was marked by farewell speeches from several outgoing board members. Graduating from the provincial board are Raul Bacaltos, Kathleen Daan, John Ismael Borgonia, Victoria Corominas-Toribio, Carmela Franco, Thadeo Jovito Ouano, Jerome Librando, Caroline Bacaltos, and Jerico Rubio.

Davide also presented a Plaque of Gratitude to Garcia in recognition of her years of service to the Cebuanos, despite their political differences.

The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan will hold its first regular session on July 7, a week after the assumption of office.

Soco confirmed that preparations are underway for the inauguration of the newly renovated session hall on the fourth floor of the legislative building behind the Capitol.

The renovated area now includes new offices for Mandaue City’s first-ever provincial board representatives, Nilo Seno and Malcolm Sanchez.

Joining the board for the new term are Antonio Bacaltos Jr. and Lakambini Reluya (1st District), Stanley Caminero and Raymond Calderon (2nd District), Julius Corominas and Dason Lorenz Lagon (3rd District), Nelson Mondigo and Kerrie Shimura (4th District), Red Duterte and Mike Villamor (5th District), Larenz Lagon and Alfred Ouano (6th District), and Cesar Baricuatro and Paz Rozgoni (7th District).

Ex-officio members include Nick Pepito of the Philippine Councilors League, Loren Singco of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, and Celestino “Tining” Martinez III of the Liga ng mga Barangay.(MyTVCebu)